Police investigate threat against Deer Park Junior High School

An online threat has prompted a junior high school to beef up security, officials say.

An armed police officer is now patrolling the halls of Deer Park Junior High School after police got word that a 20-year-old man living near the school made threats in an online gaming room.

The nature of the threat has not been released.

Deer Park Independent School District officials said police seized a computer from a man's home as part of their investigation. Officials said they did not find any weapons in the home.

Security at the school has been increased as a precaution, school district officials said. Employees throughout the school district have been given a description of the man believed to have made the threat, officials said.

The man was described as white with a fair skin tone, 20 years old, 6 feet tall and 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He may wear glasses. Officials said he drives a silver 2008 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup truck.

The school district sent a letter home to parents to make them aware of the situation.

"I hate seeing that there's threats out there against our children," middle school parent Gary Atchley said. "When you see them ride off in the school bus, the last thing you want to do is worry about them. I'm glad to see that the police are stepping up and trying to do anything to make the children safe. God forbid another tragedy happen and then everyone's just pointing fingers."

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